| PROTON SPONSORS THE BLUE JERSEY OF LTDL 2012 |
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PROTON SPONSORS THE BLUE JERSEY OF LTDL 2012
PROTON will also be sponsoring the Blue jersey for the Sprint Champion classification; which was worn last year by Andrea Guardini who dominated with 5 stage wins in total, joining the ranks of the record of stage wins held by Graeme Brown (in 2003) and Alberto Loddo (in 2007). Malaysian Sprinter Anuar Manan who be competing under the Professional-Continental outfit, Champion System Pro Cycling Team this year, has also donned the jersey in 2010 under the colours of Team Geumsan Ginseng Asia, winning the stage in Port Dickson and taking in maximum points to secure his lead until the end. For LTdL 2012, PROTON Holdings Berhad will be providing over 150 units of various PROTON models to be used as official cars for race officials, team managements and other crew throughout the ten-stages of the race. PROTON Holdings Sdn Bhd Director of Group Marketing, Branding & Motorsports Mr. John D. Chacko, handed over the mock-key to the LTdL organisers at the PROTON Centre of Excellence in Subang Jaya. In his speech, John said PROTON Holdings Berhad's sponsorship for LTdL is proof that the national car company supports the sports industry's effort to organize international sports tourism events in the country. “Le Tour de Langkawi provides PROTON with a fantastic opportunity to showcase our range of vehicles not only to the local audience, but also the international riders, teams, officials and television viewers who will be following the race,” “In line with our Commitment to be Better brand promise, we at PROTON hope that our continued support of major international events being organized in the country will contribute not only towards promoting tourism but in elevating Malaysia’s status internationally.” Also present were National Sports Council director general Dato' Zolkples Embong, MSN Sports Management Division Dato’ Hj. Ab Jalil Abdullah, LTdL 2012 chief operating officer Emir Abdul Jalal and Malaysian National Cycling Federation president Tuan Haji Abu Samah Abdul Wahab. LTdL 2012 chief operating officer Emir Abdul Jalal commended PROTON for their constant support since the start. “The Proton brand has been synonymous with LTdL, as Proton expands and transformed from a national brand to an international brand, Le Tour de Langkawi also transformed from the initial idea of a Langkawi round island race to the biggest and most anticipated cycling event in Asia.” “Even with the latest inception of the first ProTour event in Asia, Tour of Beijing, LTdL has never lost its credibility, we have always been the perfect battleground between the best of Asia and the rest of the world.” He added. “For Proton, besides the world cycling media attention focused on the race, they will be taking advantage of the domestic and international branding opportunities as the race moves on. LTdL will benefit emmensely from this and we are honored for Proton’s contribution and all the efforts taken towards ensuring the success of the race.” he said. Apart from that, the national car manufacturer will also provide technical support and be putting up exhibition booths at each start and finish venue, while also distributing merchandise to spectators as part of the cavalcade run. PROTON's convoy has also managed to introduce and promote several of their new models, along with some luxury sports car models from Lotus. With a line-up of various PROTON car models throughout the race route, the tradition of PROTON's involvement with LTdL proves that the cooperation from both parties that began since the first race in 1996 has contributed towards the race being elevated and maintained at its current 2.HC status. Since LTdL was introduced in 1996, PROTON has been a part of the large family by sponsoring various models and the volume has even reached as high as 260 units of cars in 2003. As among the traditional sponsors, PROTON has also sponsored several jerseys contested such as the yellow jersey (2009) and Asian rider's jersey prior to this. PREVIOUS WINNERS OF THE SPRINT JERSEY : 1996 Damian McDonald (AUS) Giant–AIS LTdL 2012 is organised by the National Sports Council as a mark of continuity to the organisation of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in 2010 and 2011 in collaboration with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation. The race maintains a 2.HC (Hors Classe) status and is recognised and sanctioned by the UCI and UCI Asia Tour. LTdL 2012 is expected to feature 22 professional teams. The 10 day race begins on February 24 with Individual time trial along a 20.3 km course in Putrajaya to kick off the race; followed by stage 2 Putrajaya - Melaka (151.0km); Stage 3 Ayer Keroh - Parit Sulong (187.6km); Batu Pahat - Muar (169.4km); Ayer Keroh - Pandan Indah (190km); Proton Shah Alam - Genting Highlands (108km); Bentong - Kuantan (205.8km); Pekan - Chukai (100.8km); Kemasik - Kuala Terengganu (165.7km) dan Tasik Kenyir - Kuala Terengganu (114.8km).
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SUBANG JAYA - PROTON Holdings Berhad has always been a significant contributor to the success of the biggest race in Asia, Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), which enters its 17th edition from 24 February to 4 March. |
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